The challenge, organized by Marquette University and sponsored by Brady Corp., is a funding competition for ideas that have a social or environmental impact.

Strong Blocks operates a 21-month rent-to-own program that helps families unable to qualify for financing become homeowners.

"For the first time since launching the Good Money Challenge, the winning team is a Milwaukee-based company, which speaks volumes for the social innovation impact occurring right now in Wisconsin," said Kelsey Otero, Marquette's social innovation coordinator.

■Fresh Coast Capital, a Chicago company focused on large scale redevelopment of vacant properties, won second place.

■ Sammy Goodrich, of Milwaukee-based Stage Right Theatre, won third place for her venture that focuses on theater and art stimulation for Alzheimer's patients in senior care facilities.

■ Bee the Change won the Brady Audience Choice award. It is a leadership program that empowers homeless men and women to become trained and certified beekeepers who can assist with the mission of a group called Beepods, which is working to ensure the viability of the honeybee population.